Clydebank Post | News | 2 'MURDERS' IN 7 WEEKS

Friday, 16th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 27th February, 2008 10:25

2 'MURDERS' IN 7 WEEKS

By Colin Hutton

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VICTIM: Val Dalzell

THE second Clydebank ‘murder’ investigation in weeks has been launched after the body of a 48-year-old man was found in a flat.

Valentine Dalzell, known to his friends as Val, was discovered at 10pm on Thursday at a ground floor flat in Whitecrook Street, Whitecrook — less than a mile from McCreery Street where James Foley was fatally “stabbed” on New Year’s Day.

Police confirmed that Mr Dalzell’s death was as a result of foul play after a postmortem examination on Friday.

Mr Dalzell lived in Bedford Avenue, Drumry.

His neighbours said he had stayed there for at least 10 years.

As recently as November, Mr Dalzell was featured in the Clydebank Post’s What You Say feature, giving his opinion on what could be done in the town to remember Clydebank’s proud shipbuilding heritage.

This week the news of his passing has been met with astonishment in a community which has now seen two deaths in less than two months.

One shocked Whitecrook Street resident told the Post: “It’s quite scary that this can happen right across the street from me, because normally there’s no problem at all here.

“I can’t quite believe that that’s two 'murders' already this year — and to think that they happened so close to one another is frightening.

“After they found the body there were police guards at the door of the close all the time and nobody was getting in, they shut off the street.”

Clydebank MSP Des McNulty added: “I’m very concerned to hear of a second 'murder' in Whitecrook within a few short weeks.

“While we still await details of what happened on Thursday night, to have two deaths within half a mile of each other in such a short space of time is a matter of deep concern.

“I know that the police have been making efforts to tackle instances of anti-social behaviour in recent months and in particular drink related crime.

“But these events underline the importance of co-ordinated work between the council and the police.

“I will be seeking a meeting with the police and council representatives to discuss what more may be done in the context of these sad circumstances.”

A 44-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the death of Val Dalzell and was expected to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court today (Wednesday February 27).

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